A/N: This story starts at the end of the first attempt to bring Sasuke back to the village. Naruto isn't all happy and go lucky, so don't expect him to be. Also the Akatsuki have been altered, I won't say how, but they do not need to be hostile towards Naruto.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. Only my OC.
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Chapter One - Opportunity
"Naruto!"
"Sasuke!"
A flash of bright light enveloped the area known as the valley of the end. The force behind said flash of light was enough to destroy the entire area and then some, however it was contained to two singular points. Both of these points were fighting for dominance and one of them would have to lose before the struggle would end. The force behind the jutsu's at work here caused the river below to thrash about wildly while the wind howled like thousands of wolves.
"Why did you leave Sasuke? To get stronger?" Naruto shouted in anger.
"You don't understand anything Dobe! I am going to kill you and avenge my clan!" Sasuke shouted in return.
The battle was starting to wear on both shinobi however Sasuke was beginning to win the fight. Pushing more strength and chakara into the Chidori he knocked Naruto's jutsu off course, leaving his chest exposed. Not taking another chance Sasuke shoved his Chidori covered hand into Naruto's chest.
"Ahhhhhhh- cough -" Naruto screamed and wheezed as blood began to pool from his chest.
"This is the end Dobe." Sasuke said as he pulled his hand back through Naruto's chest.
"S-sausu-ke.." Naruto barely made the words exit his body before falling to the ground below him. As he landed not so softly, he was motionless. Sasuke looked around for any more disturbances to his defection.
"seems like everything is clear. Better move out." Sasuke thought as he ran off in the direction of the sound village.
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No sooner had Sasuke left when Kakashi Hatake arrived. Masking his presence, he walked towards where Naruto lay motionless. Wearing a mask, one could not actually see what emotion he held towards the lifeless boy, however he was expressing one of pity. after taking a moment to make up his mind, he jumped to go after Sasuke leaving Naruto's body there in the Valley of the End.
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Two figures had been watching the whole exchange between Naruto and Sasuke, and were going to approach when they saw Kakashi arrive. They got ready to engage, however were surprised when he left Naruto where he was and left to go after Sasuke.
"Interesting." The first one said as he stepped out onto the river bank. He crossed over and bent down on his knees to examine the boy. "Konan it seems he's still alive, although barely."
"Really" Konan asked more of a statement than a question. "What will we do Nagato-san?"
"We are going to take him with us. It's unclear if Kakashi called for backup or not, so we should take this chance to capture the Nine Tails." Nagato said as he pointed to Naruto's corpse. "Let's get him back to Ame."
"Hai" Konan said as she picked up Naruto's body and shunshined away with Nagato.
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Naruto's Mindscape
Naruto opened his eyes and saw that he was once again inside his mindscape. The dripping of water could be heard from all around him as he stared up at a giant cage. Running his hands through his hair, he walked up to the cage and smacked one of the bars a few times.
"Keep down that racket! What do you want kit?" a loud booming voice echoed from inside the cage. Naruto didn't flinch like he used to when he heard this voice. Instead he just walked through the bars of the cage and neared the source of the voice. As Naruto got closer, he could see the outline of Nine Tails swishing back and forth.
"I am sure that you've noticed but I was almost killed just now." Naruto stated as he got close enough to see the demon's face.
"Ah, yes, I've noticed. I've spent the last few moments healing you like usual." The Kyuubi said as he narrowed his eyes at his jailer."You're so weak, it disgusts me."
"Hai, I couldn't save Sasuke." Naruto said as his faced showed little to no emotion. The Kyuubi looked at him as he wasn't expecting Naruto to just simply take his insults. The boy had always made some sort of effort to refute what the great fox demon had to say, and to say he was shocked would be an understatement.
"What is wrong Kit?" Kyuubi asked looking at Naruto.
"I couldn't save Sasuke, he almost killed me, and I've failed my mission." Naruto said as he looked up at the Kyuubi.
"So what? Is he not a traitor to your village?" Kyuubi asked.
"Hai, he is, however, before I passed out and woke up here Kakashi-sensei showed up and just left me to die to go after that traitor." Naruto said as he clenched his fists in anger and shouted "He just left me there!"
"Kit, I am not your counselor." Kyuubi spat as he glared at the boy in front of him. "Do not waste my time complaining about your life."
"I want your power Kyuubi." Naruto said. The Kyuubi let out a deep and maniacal laugh.
"Oh, so now you want my power? That's rich Kit." Kyuubi laughed "What changed your mind?"
"Konoha doesn't care about me. I have no one there worth protecting and my life will never be peaceful whilst I am there. They only see me as a means to an end." Naruto said as he stared up at the fox. Kyuubi looked thoughtful for a few moments.
"Alright Kit, I'll let you access my power, on one condition!" Kyuubi yelled.
"What is your condition?" Naruto asked.
"I want to have access to your senses. I want to see what you see, smell what you smell." Kyuubi said, not as ferociously as he had been speaking before. "I've been locked in you for years now, and I have grown to miss the outside world."
"Is that it?" Naruto asked, wondering if the fox had a hidden agenda like usual.
"Yes Kit, that's it." Kyuubi said solemnly. "You can cut the link if you are doing something 'private'. I don't necessarily want to see that stuff."
"Alright then Kyuubi. We have a deal" Naruto said.
"Excellent!" Kyuubi roared as Naruto felt a pull and found himself leaving his mindscape.
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Amegakure - Kage Tower
Naruto awoke with a start and coughed harshly. Where am I? What is this room? Naruto looked around and noticed the similarities between the Hokage's office and this place. The room was dark, like all the lights were turned off, and he could hear the feint sounds of rain falling. He was lying on a couch and staring up at the ceiling when he heard footsteps approaching. His eyes then scanned towards the door and noticed two figures standing there.
"I see you've finally awoken." The taller of the two said.
"Who are you? Where am I?" Naruto asked immediately on his guard. The taller of the two figures walked closer to the desk by the window in the room and looked out the window for a few moments before turning on the lamp that was on the desk. Naruto could see him more clearly now, and noticed he was wearing a black robe with red clouds on it..
"Akatsuki!" Naruto shouted standing up and getting ready to fight. The tall man regarded him for a moment before sitting down at the desk.
"Please calm down. You're not in any danger. I merely wish to talk with you." The man said not even looking at Naruto.
"Why should I believe you? The Akatsuki have been hunting me!" Naruto shouted.
"Hai, we have" the second person spoke, who Naruto now noticed was female "however, we could have killed you already, but instead we saved you from death."
Naruto looked at her silhouette in the door way for a moment before sitting back down on the couch. The woman then crossed the room herself and stood next to the man.
"My name is Nagato, I am the leader of the Akatsuki." Nagato said as he looked up at Naruto. "My companion here is Konan. She and I came upon you after your fight with the Uchiha."
Naruto looked down in shame and balled his fists in anger. He wasn't strong enough to stop Sasuke from leaving Konoha.
"Why did you save me?" Naruto asked.
"We saved you because we wish to bring peace to the world." Nagato said as he stood up and moved to look out the window again. "Peace cannot be achieved while the entire world is at each other's throats. I sense that you've never experienced any sort of peace in your life, as you've lived the life of a Jinchuriki. An outcast's life."
Naruto looked distant for a moment as images of his life flashed before his eyes.
"Demon!"
"Dead last!"
"Failure"
"Dobe"
Each memory bringing more rage and sadness. Nagato looked at Naruto from the corner of his eye before continuing.
"The Akatsuki have always meant to bring peace to the world. We were founded our best friend Yahiko. He always fought hard for peace and in the end he paid for it with his life." Nagato looked emotionless and distant, however Konan looked down sadness written all over her face.
"Why are you telling me this?" Naruto asked.
"I am telling you this because I want you to join us in our quest for total peace." Nagato said as he looked to Naruto.
"Me? Joining the Akatsuki? I thought you guys were hunting me!" Naruto nearly shouted.
"We were hunting you to bring you into our organization. We never intended to hurt you unless you refused to join us." Nagato said, "If I remember correctly you did refuse when Itachi and Kisame asked you to come with them before. This is the first time a second chance has been issued."
Naruto looked lost in thought.
The Akatsuki wish to bring peace to the world. Normalcy. I myself am tired of conflict. People attacking me, people hating me for something I can't control. Konoha doesn't care about me. Kakashi-sensei left me for dead..
Nagato watched Naruto closely. The boy seemed to be deep in thought. Naruto then looked up and their eyes met.
"I will join the Akatsuki and help you bring peace to this damnable world."
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Chapter One - Opportunity END
This is the end of MISSING's first chapter and I have to say I am surprised with myself.
I have spent a lot of time reading stories on this site and was surprised to find little to no good Naruto x Konan stories that were longer and kept my interest for very long.
It's going to be slow going as I am also writing my other story "Prophecy" however when I came up with this idea I had to start the story. I'm sure you guys understand what I mean.
I look forward to reading your reviews and comments. If you wish to flame you can stop now. I don't care about irrelevant opinions so I am only opening myself to those worth reading.
That said, I hope you enjoy my take on Naruto x Konan!
AU/OC By WarrenBeck
Next Chapter: Red Clouds and Missing pieces.